Ohav Shalom Weekly News

Ohav Shalom News Thursday, December 17, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Ohav Shalom Office) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Ohav Shalom News
Thursday, December 17, 2009
*This version of Ohav News is also viewable by downloading the attached pdf file as well as on our website, www.ohavshalom.com.*

RABBI BURTON VISOTZKY: SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE
“Reading the Book: Making the Bible a Timeless Text.”
JANUARY 22-23, 2010

We are delighted to have Rabbi Visotzky with us for a Shabbat of fascinating lectures. Friday night begins with services to welcome Shabbat at 6:00 pm. The service will be followed by a catered dinner at 7:00 pm (reservations required). During dessert, Rabbi Visotzky’s topic will be “God’s Body”: Do Jews believe in the incarnation of God? What do we gain by confronting the anthropomorphic imagery of the Bible? Should we be taking this God stuff literally?
During Shabbat morning services, Rabbi Visotzky will address the question: “Word of God or Hand of Moses?” What did the rabbis of the Talmud and Midrash believe about the giving of the Torah? Were they fundamentalists? Were they “Conservative Jews?” What do our classical sources teach us about the Revelation of Sinai?
Following a kiddush lunch, Rabbi Visotzky will speak about “Rabbis as Readers: The Continuing Revelation of Sinai.” What is the authority for rabbinic Judaism? How did our rabbis justify Jewish law? What are the continuing sources of divine revelation?
On Saturday afternoon, Rabbi Visotzky will conclude his visit with us with a timely report on his involvement in Jewish-Muslim relations in local, national, and international venues. Mincha will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be followed by a light meal, se`udah shelisheet, during which Rabbi Visotzk’y presentation will be “From Cairo to Qatar and Beyond: Jewish-Muslim Relations for the 21st Century.” Rabbi Visotzky recounts his involvement a surprisingly large and positive series of inter-religious dialogues.
Rabbi Visotzky, Professor of Midrash and Interreligious Studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary, is a well-known scholar and teacher of scripture and rabbinic narrative, as well as Talmud. He is an active lecturer and scholar in residence throughout the United States, Europe and Israel, and was an active participant in the Bill Moyers television series on PBS called Genesis: A Living Conversation. We are honored to have him teach at our synagogue and hope that you will take advantage of this learning opportunity. Please see the enclosed flyer to sign up for the dinner on Friday night.

1. College Homecoming Shabbat – Dec. 26th

2. Snowbird Reunion Florida – January 10, 2010

3. Book Club

4. Jews on Snowshoes – January 17, 2010

5. Afternoon at the Movies - and it's Free! – Body and Soul – Sunday, January 24th

6. Weekday Morning Minyan: Help Wanted

7. The Archaeology of Religion class – Wednesdays in February

8. Educator of the Year – February 6th

9. Larger Community Events & News

1. College Homecoming Shabbat - Please join us for our annual College Homecoming honoring our returning college and graduate students at Shabbat services on Saturday, December 26. For more information to help with kiddush, or to have your returning student participate in services, please email Judy Avner or Jay Worona. We look forward to seeing you then.

2. Snowbird Reunion in Florida – Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 5:00pm – Temple Emeth, W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach, FL Catered by Maureen’s Catering:
Choice of:
Brisket of Beef
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Salmon w/ Dill Sauce
$27.00 per person
To make reservations, please send your check made out to Congregation Ohav Shalom with your choice of menu to Chuck and Suzanne Rosenblum at 7310 Ashford Place, #308, Delray Beach, FL 33446. They also can be reached at (561) 638-4390. Additional information may be obtained from Marian Cohen @ (518) 482-6451 or Joe Weitzman @ (518) 765-4469 or (954) 724-0929 or from Irwin Adler @ (518) 459-1534. Deadline for reservations is January 4, 2010.

3. The book club: the next meeting will be on January 10 at 10:00 a.m. We will discuss the book Who By Fire by Diana Spechler. In this novel, Spechler raises the question of whether in rescuing others, we risk ruining ourselves. It follows the members of the Kellerman family through many different aspects of each individuals lives and the drama that confronts them all. It raises questions about religion, violence and the resiseince of families and individuals.

4. Sunday, January 17 – Jews On Snowshoes. Please join Rabbi Dan and our own naturalist, Miles Garfinkel, on an informative and spiritual exploration of our winter environment. Snowshoes will be available to rent. More details to follow. Sponsored by Shomrei Adama, Ohav Shalom's environmental committee.

5. Afternoon at the Movies - and it's Free! – Body and Soul – Sunday, January 24th at the Ohav Apts. Film Screening and Discussion. A 1947 classic drama about a Lower East Sider who is corrupted by his lust for money and fame. This film stars John Garfield (born Jacob Julius Garfinkle), Hollywood’s original anti-hero, one of the great (albeit unjustly overlooked) Jewish-American actors.

6.

7. The Archaeology of the Religion of Ancient Israel -Steven Stark-Riemer Wednesdays 2/3, 10, 17 and 24, 3/3, 10 and 17; 7 pm Fee: $36 members; $40 non-members This second course naturally follows “The Archaeology and History of Ancient Israel,” and begins with a session on the history of the search for Ancient Israel’s religion. As in the first course, a guiding theme will be “what do we know and how do we know it.” Among the topics covered by the succeeding sessions are: Canaanite religion before the emergence of Ancient Israel; the distinction between “book religion” and “folk religion” and whether the Hebrew Bible presents religious reality or theological ideal; sacred space in Ancient Israel; the cult of Asherah; Israelite figurines as “prayers in clay”; death in the life of Ancient Israel; and the transition from polytheism to monotheism. The time-frame of this course concludes with the Babylonian Conquest and the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE.

8. Educator of the Year Honoring Danny Sanders– Saturday, February 6th, 2010 - The Board of Education Committee members are thrilled with the great response to the Educator of The Year Honorary Committee and journal ad notices that went out. The deadline to be on the honorary Committee and have your name printed in the invitation has past and therefore Honorary Committee registration forms received after November 30th will be printed in the journal to be distributed at the event only. The deadline for placing an ad in the journal is Dec. 22.

9. In The Larger Jewish Community

Camp Ramah Informational Meeting – Sunday, December 20 from 12:00pm to 12:30pm
Camp Ramah in New England, located in Palmer, MA, about an hour and a half drive from Albany, offers great sports, creative arts, exciting outdoor adventures, and expert instruction in a whole range of electives and just plain off-the-wall fun, wrapped into an experience of Jewish living that is relevant and real to our campers. We offer two week sessions for children currently in grades 2-3 and four or eight week sessions for children currently in grades 3-10. To learn more, join Davey Rosen, Assistant Director of Camp Ramah, at Congregation Ohav Shalom, 113 New Krumkill Road, Albany, NY. This event is open to the entire Capital District community! Please contact Davey with questions and to RSVP, email: daveyr@campramahne.org or cell phone: 781-248-3525.

www.campramahne.org

Super Sunday Phonathon – January 31, 2010
We Can Change the World
Please answer your phone on Super Sunday, January 31, 2010
On Super Sunday, you can improve the lives of thousands of people:
• In our local community
• In Israel
• In 70 countries worldwide
Your one gift to Federation is distributed to more than 150 beneficiaries. Here are just a few highlights of how your donation can change the world. Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York:
• Provides local funding for Jewish children with special learning needs
• Delivers meal packages and medical supplies to the elderly
• Funds Project 5 to help transport our local elderly neighbors and identify if they are in need of additional services
• Helps Israeli children that live below the poverty line
You can make a difference and help keep our Jewish community and others around the world vibrant.
• Become a first time donor to Federation
• Increase your gift on Super Sunday
Help our local Jewish community and improve the lives of Jews around the world. Together, we can change the world.

To stay up to date with the happenings at Ohav Shalom visit our website:
http://www.ohavshalom.com

Thursday, November 12, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Ohav Shalom Office) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:24:00 +0000

Ohav Shalom News

Thursday, November 19, 2009

*This version of Ohav News is also viewable by downloading the attached pdf file as well as on our website, www.ohavshalom.com.*

1. Kabbalat Shabbat – Friday, Nov. 20

2. Morning Minyan times Nov. 26th & 27th

3. Monthly Meditation Group – Sat., Nov. 21st

4. USY volunteering w/ Equinox – Tues. Nov. 24th

5. Book Club – Sun. Dec. 6

6. NON-UKKAH program for Grades K-4 families - Sun. Dec. 13th

7. Israel Trip Registration Deadline – Dec. 10th

8. Mommy and Me Music Class at Ohav Shalom Nursery School - Mondays 9:45 - 10:45 am

9. Snowbird Reunion Florida – January 10, 2010

1. Kabbalat Shabbat: Friday evening services will take place at the Ohav Apartments this Friday, November 20th at 6:30pm.

2. Morning Minyan times: Morning Minyan on Thursday, November 26th , Thanksgiving Day will be at 8:00am. Minyan on Friday, November 27tyh will be at 7am as per usual.

3. Monthly Meditation Group We are beginning a monthly meditation group on Saturdays following services. We will begin with some chanting or a niggun, some instruction, at times a guided meditation, and some quiet time. We have several people who will alternate in leading this group including Rabbi Dan Ornstein, Lynna Schaefer, Jeanette Perkins. This will be open to anyone who would like to attend. Saturdays; 11/21, 12/19, 1/16, 2/20, 3/20, 4/17, 5/15 and 6/19 from approximately 12:30-1:15 pm No charge

4. This Thanksgiving season, help feed the hungry by helping to prepare Equinox's annual Thanksgiving feast. Through our USY, Ohav Shalom has reserved a slot to work on Tuesday from 5:45 - 8 p.m. Preparation is done at Empire State Plaza by hundreds of volunteers. We need more hands. If you can be there, please contact Joy Newman at joyzee@hotmail.com or 585-314-3707 for details and to RSVP.

5. The newly formed Book Club will meet next on Sunday, December 6 at 9:30 a.m. We will discuss the book Everything Is Illuminated, am intelligent and sometimes funny story about a young Jewish American who travels to the Ukraine in the hopes of finding the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis. If you would like to join the book club call the office or Jeanette Perkins at 438-1573.

6. NOT your usual Hanukkah party! A fun morning for families in Grades K -4. Join us Sunday, December 13th @ 10:00am for the Parents’s Program in the Ohav Chapel. The parents and kids will meet together in the social halls @ 11:15am. (Children who are not in Talmud Torah are welcome to join K-4 classes for the first part of our program) Bring Your Own Hanukkah Menorah for our community lighting! For more information about our NON-UKKAH family program, please contact Rabbi Ornstein @ ohavrab@gmail.com or Rabbi Durbin @ rabbiroseohav@gmail.com. This program is a part of the regular Ohav religious school schedule. Talmud Torah families are expected to attend.

7. Reminder! The Israel Trip Registration deadline is December 10th, 2009 –some spots still remain, contact Ayelet Tours @ (800) 237-1517 * (518) 783-6001

8. Mommy and Me Music Class at Ohav Shalom Nursery School - Mondays 9:45 - 10:45 am The Mommy and Me Music Class at Ohav Shalom Nursery School is a great way to meet other moms, allow younger siblings an opportunity to play with their own little buddies and to enjoy games, music and more with your child! Arts and crafts, music with Julie Adler, finger plays, stories and more will be included. Try your first class for FREE!

9. Snowbird Reunion in Florida – Sunday, January 10, 2010 @ 5:00pm – Temple Emeth, W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach, FL Catered by Maureen’s Catering:

Choice of:

Brisket of Beef

Stuffed Chicken Breast

Salmon w/ Dill Sauce

$27.00 per person

To make reservations, please send your check made out to Congregation Ohav Shalom with your choice of menu to Chuck and Suzanne Rosenblum at 7310 Ashford Place, #308, Delray Beach, FL 33446. They also can be reached at (561) 638-4390. Additional information may be obtained from Marian Cohen @ (518) 482-6451 or Joe Weitzman @ (518) 765-4469 or (954) 724-0929 or from Irwin Adler @ (518) 459-1534. Deadline for reservations is January 4, 2010.

In The Larger Jewish Community

1. Community Coalition for Jewish Education Annual Conference Day

Sunday, November 22, 2009 9:00 am - 12:45 pm

Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center, 340 Whitehall Rd, Albany

9:00 Registration and Light Breakfast

9:30 Keynote Speaker: Sandy Miller-Jacobs, Ed.D.

Professor & Director of Special Education Programs, Hebrew College

“Addressing Social and Behavioral Needs in the Diverse Jewish Classroom”

Often, the most difficult students to include in classes are those who present behavior challenges, yet our schools have many children who present just such issues. One way to examine these issues is through an approach called Response to Intervention (RTI). As we examine students’ response to various classroom management strategies, we will explore in more depth the additional strategies called for when this first level of strategies are not sufficient for some students.

Sandy is Professor Emerita in Special Education at Fitchburg State College. For six years at the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Boston, she helped initiate and expand day, supplemental, and pre-school programs for students with special needs. She has published and provided professional development programs on differentiated instruction, multiple intelligences, and other special education topics.

10:00 Panel Discussion, first hand accounts – living with special needs

10:45 Workshop Sessions For Early Childhood Educators: 45 minute sessions, please choose two

1. When you think a child may need services

The workshop will focus on describing how to access services available for children with special needs and at what point teachers and parents should be concerned. Kara Ellenbogen, M.S. and Esta Skoburn M.S., are special education preschool teachers providing services through Capital District Beginnings integrated programs. Between them they have more than 40 years experience.

2. Working with Peers and Parents - approaching disabilities with understanding, sensitivity, and effectiveness

In this discussion we will cover the effects of disability on parents, the dynamics of having a child with a disability in the classroom, and approaches to increasing the understanding of children in the class with regard to the disability.

Steve Marcal, Center for Disability Services

3. How should I teach the “Jewish Year” in an early childhood setting?

Every year starts with a question mark…. and we will find the answers! Come enjoy, refresh your memories, thoughts, and ideas using different methods to teach and celebrate this year and the years ahead. Elinur Danon, Principal, Temple Israel Hebrew School.

“Reaching Our Children Where They Are” 1 1/2 hour sessions For Early Childhood & School Aged Educators:

4. Exploring Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

Participants will explore the different types of intelligences as described by Howard Gardner. This workshop will provide participants with hands-on activities that will reinforce the different ways in which children learn. Lynn Siebert, Capital District Child Care Coordinating Council

For Educators of School Aged Students

5. Supporting All Students in Our Congregational School Classrooms

This workshop will offer practical ways to support every student in your school and classroom. We will discuss various types of learners and ways to develop lessons that reach everyone. We will talk about building a classroom community that promotes caring for each other along with learning. Iris Koller, Past CAJE president

6. Responding to Students’ Needs

What are the diverse learning issues that confront students in today’s Jewish schools? What tools and strategies do you need to enhance students’ success in learning? Social skills, attention, memory, and organizational skills are common areas of weaknesses observed. We will explore strategies that benefit all students but are necessary for those with learning problems.

You will leave with new skills in tailoring your teaching strategies to students’ difficulties. Sandy Miller- Jacobs, Professor & Director of Special Education Programs, Hebrew College

7. Talking With Parents About Their Child’s Diagnosis

This session will focus on the knowledge that educators need in order to discuss a child’s needs in a sensitive and caring manner. Dr. Lucas, Pediatrician, Albany Medical Center Pediatric Group

8. The Other Side of the Desk: A Peek Into Learning Disabilities

Through a series of hands-on activities, you will see the world through the eyes of a learning disabled child, and get a glimpse into what he/she experiences every day. Lita Katzer, Special Education Consultant Teacher, Congregation Ohav Shalom

For Middle and High School Educators

9. Sorting Through the Tantrums, Wisecracks, Alien Language, and Budding Sexuality of Our Teens: What Do They Want Us to Know About Them and Their Differences?

Once sweet, funny, cute and cooperative, our newly emerging teens can become quite alien to us. We lament, “What happened to my adorable class”, and “Who is now occupying their bodies?” Together we will become more aware of what teens want us to know about their differences, their strengths, their necessary accommodations, and their confusion as they navigate their expanding world.

Sundance Lev, M.SW, Community Educator

For Community Members

10. Opening Doors: Helping our Synagogues Welcome People with Differences

A synagogue is a sacred community that should be a home to all Jews and their families. In this session, we will consider Judaism’s attitudes towards people with differences, both historically and from a contemporary perspective. We will discuss the challenges faced by synagogues and by individuals with differences, and explore some strategies to make our synagogues more welcoming to all.

Rabbi Rena H. Kieval- Congregation Ohav Shalom

11. Panel Discussion on Available Special Needs Services In Our Community and Beyond

Learn about the variety of services available in our community from local agencies and service providers.

Please RSVP to your education director by Sunday, November 15, 2009

For directions or more information, please contact Marci Galinkin, mgalinkin@jewishfedny.org or Marjorie Gang, mgang@jewishfedny.org.

Community Coalition for Jewish Education The Golub Center
184 Washington Ave. Ext.
Albany, NY 12203 518.783.7800
fax 518.783.1557
www.jewishfedny.org
info@jewishfedny.org

Just For Teen Madrichim:

10:00- 12:15

12. The Role of the Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional in a Talmud Torah Classroom

Many classrooms work well with a team effort. This session will focus on what makes a successful educational team, stress communication and co-planning between the teacher and assistant. We will discuss specific roles and responsibilities of the assistant and how to work with students with special needs. Finally, we will discuss the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

Presented by Shari Piper, Faculty, Lally School of Eduaction, College of St. Rose

Part Two: 12:15-12:45

What Now?

Meet with your peer cohort groups to discuss “what now, where do we go from here?”

12:45: Wrap-up and door prizes!

Registration Form

Name _____________________________________________

School _____________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________

Workshops 1–3: rank in order of preference (45 minute sessions for early childhood educators)

Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Workshop 3

OR Workshops 4–11: please indicate the # of your top two choices

OR Workshops 12: for teen madrichim only please check here

2. Capital District Community Gardens has another great opportunity to glean the fields of a local farm. Two weeks ago Ohav volunteers came out and harvested more than three thousand pounds of fresh produce that we distributed to food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens in the Region helping to provide healthy food for hundreds of families in need! If you missed the fun, don’t fret…you have another chance!

When : Sunday, November 22, 1pm (we probably will pick apples for about two hours).

Where : The Farm at Kristy's Barn ( 2385 Brookview Rd. Schodack) http://www.kristysbarn.com/

RSVP : Amy Klein, amy@cdcg.org

Bring friends. All ages welcome. Bring plastic bags if you can.

3. Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy - A unique school that combines general studies with strong Jewish values for all Jewish affiliations Parents and children come spend a morning with us! Special and separate programs for parents and children Meet Faculty and School Families. This year, give your child a gift that lasts a lifetime — an education at Bet Shraga 54 Sand Creek Road Albany, NY 12205 Phone 518-482-0464 Fax 518-482-0129 “ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ROOTED IN TRADITION”

Open Houses

Sunday, November 22, 2009 from 9:30 - 11:00am

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 from 9:00 - 11:00am

RSVP to Lorraine Arcus at 482-0464 or larcus@hacdalbany.com

HACD

To stay up to date with the happenings at Ohav Shalom visit our website:

http://www.ohavshalom.com